Leishmaniasis in dogs is one of the most significant parasitic diseases in the veterinary field, both for its severity and for the difficulty of controlling it. It is a condition transmitted by the bite of a tiny insect, the sandfly, which can cause skin lesions, kidney problems and a general decline in health. Understanding what it is, how to recognise its symptoms, how it is diagnosed and, above all, how to prevent it, is essential to protecting your pet.
What canine leishmaniasis is
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania. It is not spread directly from one dog to another, nor from dogs to people through contact; instead, it needs a vector to spread: the sandfly. When this insect bites an infected animal and later bites another healthy dog, it can transmit the parasite, which settles in the body and progressively affects various organs and tissues.
It is important to understand that this is a slow-developing and, in many cases, silent disease during its early stages. A dog can be infected for months without showing obvious signs, which makes early detection difficult and reinforces the importance of regular veterinary check-ups as part of a good veterinary internal medicine plan.
How it is transmitted
The vector responsible for transmission is the sandfly, a very small mosquito that is especially active during the warm months, particularly at dawn and dusk. This is why the disease shows a marked seasonality and why protective measures must be intensified in spring and summer. Unlike other external parasites such as fleas or ticks, the sandfly does not remain on the animal, which makes it more complex to control.
Symptoms of leishmaniasis in dogs
The clinical signs of leishmaniasis are highly variable and can affect different body systems. Some dogs mainly develop skin manifestations, while in others internal problems predominate. Below we summarise the most characteristic symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin lesions | Hair loss, flaking and sores, especially around the eyes, muzzle and ears. |
| Weight loss | Progressive weight loss despite a maintained appetite, along with weakness and apathy. |
| Abnormal nail growth | Nails that grow excessively long and curved, one of the most characteristic signs of the disease. |
| Kidney problems | Kidney involvement that can lead to renal failure, one of the most serious complications. |
| Other signs | Swollen lymph nodes, nosebleeds, eye lesions and general fatigue. |
When to see the vet
Many of these signs can initially be confused with other skin diseases or with common conditions. For this reason, in the case of any persistent skin lesion, unexplained weight loss or changes in the appearance of the nails, the most sensible thing to do is to visit your trusted vet for an assessment. Early detection significantly improves the management of the disease and the animal's quality of life.
Diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Diagnosing leishmaniasis requires a complete veterinary assessment that combines clinical examination with laboratory tests. The key tool is blood testing: through blood analysis it is possible to detect the antibodies produced against the parasite, as well as alterations in parameters related to kidney function and the general state of the body.
Depending on the results, the vet may recommend additional tests to determine the extent of the involvement and to design the most appropriate control plan. Laboratory follow-up not only serves to diagnose but also to monitor the patient's progress over time, adjusting treatment according to their needs.
“Against leishmaniasis, prevention is everything: a good antiparasitic plan and regular check-ups make all the difference.”
Treatment: lifelong control, not a cure
It is essential to understand a key aspect of this disease: leishmaniasis has no definitive cure. Once the dog is infected, the parasite remains in its body. However, this does not mean that nothing can be done: with appropriate lifelong control, many dogs can lead a practically normal life and maintain a good quality of life for years.
Treatment, always prescribed and supervised by the vet, aims to reduce the parasite load, control the symptoms and protect the most vulnerable organs, especially the kidneys. Regular check-ups are essential to detect possible relapses in time and to adapt management. That is why, rather than "curing", we talk about living with the disease under professional supervision.
Leishmaniasis has no definitive cure, but with appropriate lifelong control many dogs can maintain a good quality of life for years.
Prevention of leishmaniasis
Since there is no cure, prevention is undoubtedly the best strategy. Fortunately, today we have several tools that, when combined, very significantly reduce the risk of your dog becoming infected. Ideally, they should be integrated into a personalised health plan.
| Preventive measure | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Repellents in spot-on pipettes and collars | Specific antiparasitic products that repel the sandfly and reduce the risk of being bitten. |
| Avoiding exposure at dusk | Limiting walks at dawn and dusk, when the mosquito is most active. |
| Vaccination as support | It strengthens the dog's defences against the parasite; it complements but does not replace repellents. |
| Regular veterinary check-ups | They allow the infection to be detected early and acted upon before it progresses. |
| Indoor protection | Mosquito nets and avoiding damp areas or dense vegetation during the high-risk hours. |
It is worth remembering that preventing leishmaniasis is part of comprehensive parasite care. Keeping your dog's vaccination schedule up to date and following a proper internal deworming programme helps your pet face each season with the best possible defences.
The situation in northern Spain
It has traditionally been considered that northern Spain, and therefore Cantabria, has a lower incidence of leishmaniasis than the southern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, where the climate is more favourable for the mosquito. However, this does not mean that there are no cases here. It is considered that the risk could be widening due to factors such as travel and trips with pets to endemic areas and changes in environmental conditions, which could influence the areas and periods in which the sandfly survives. For this reason, it is also advisable to maintain preventive measures in our region.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
Can leishmaniasis be passed on to people?
Leishmaniasis is not transmitted through direct contact between a dog and a person. For infection to occur, the bite of the sandfly, which acts as the vector, is necessary. That is why measures to protect against the insect are the foundation of prevention both in animals and, indirectly, in the family environment.
Can my dog lead a normal life if it has leishmaniasis?
Yes. Although the disease cannot be cured, with appropriate control and regular veterinary monitoring many dogs maintain a good quality of life for years. The key lies in early diagnosis, adherence to treatment and regular check-ups.
Is the vaccine enough to protect my dog?
The vaccine is a very valuable supporting tool, but it should not be used on its own. The most effective approach is to combine it with spot-on or collar repellents, to avoid exposure during the hours of greatest mosquito activity and to carry out regular veterinary check-ups.
Protect your pet at Clínica Veterinaria Somo
At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Cantabria, we help you design a leishmaniasis prevention plan tailored to your dog and its lifestyle, as well as offering diagnosis and follow-up if needed. If you have any questions or would like to review your pet's protection, get in touch with us through our contact page or call us on 942 51 00 66. Prevention is the best way to care for your best friend.
